Emma Dench

Emma Dench is a prominent historian and classicist known for her extensive work in the field of Roman history and its impact on modern societies. She currently serves as the McLean Professor of Ancient and Modern History at Harvard University, where she has been a faculty member since 2007. Dench's research primarily focuses on the cultural, social, and political transitions from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, and how these historical periods influence contemporary understandings of citizenship, identity, and power.

Early Life and Education

Emma Dench was born in Yorkshire, England. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Balliol College, Oxford, where she received a first-class degree in Ancient and Modern History. She later attended St Hugh's College, Oxford for her doctoral studies, focusing on ancient history.

Career

Before joining Harvard University, Dench was a professor at Birkbeck, University of London, where she taught ancient history and developed her research in Roman cultural and social history. At Harvard, she has continued to expand her research while also teaching courses on Roman history, the role of the past in modern times, and the comparative history of empires.

Dench has published several influential books and numerous articles in her field. Her notable works include "Romulus' Asylum: Roman Identities from the Age of Alexander to the Age of Hadrian" and "Empire and Political Cultures in the Roman World." These publications have been praised for their insightful analysis and contribution to the understanding of Roman history and its relevance to modern issues of governance and identity.

Contributions and Impact

Emma Dench's work is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, combining methods from history, anthropology, and classics. She has contributed significantly to the study of how Roman concepts of citizenship and community differ from, yet influence, modern ideas and practices. Her research has also explored the ways in which empires maintain their power and manage diverse populations.

Dench is also known for her commitment to education, often emphasizing the importance of understanding historical contexts in addressing contemporary challenges. She has been involved in various public speaking engagements and educational programs aimed at bringing historical perspectives to wider audiences.

Selected Publications

• "Romulus' Asylum: Roman Identities from the Age of Alexander to the Age of Hadrian"
• "Empire and Political Cultures in the Roman World"

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Emma Dench has received numerous accolades for her contributions to classical and historical studies. These include awards from academic institutions and historical societies that recognize her scholarship and impact on the field.

See Also

• Ancient Rome
• Historiography
• Cultural history